Visual function and vision-related quality of life after vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole: a 12mo followup study

· AIM: To investigate the visual function and the relationship with vision-related quality of life(VRQOL)after macular hole repair surgery.· METHODS: Prospective case series. Thirty-six consecutive eyes in 36 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) and internal limiting membrane(ILM) peeling were included. The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire(VFQ-25) was answered by the participants before and 3 and 12 mo after operation. Follow-up visits examinations included best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), clinical examination,and central macular thickness(CMT) measured by optical coherence tomography(OCT).·RESULTS: Macular-hole closure was achieved in 35 of36 eyes(97.2%). At baseline and months 3 and 12, the log MAR BCVAs(mean±SD) were 1.15±0.47, 0.68±0.53(P <0.0001 versus baseline), and 0.55 ±0.49(P <0.001 versus baseline, P =0.273 versus month 3), respectively; the CMTs(μm) were 330 ±81, 244 ±62(P <0.001 versus baseline), and 225±58(P <0.001 versus baseline, P =0.222 versus month 3), respectively; the median preoperative VFQ-25 composite score of 73.50(63.92-81.13) increased postoperatively to 85.50(80.04-89.63) at 3mo(P <0.001)and 86.73(82.50-89.63) at 12mo(P <0.001) respectively.The improved BCVA was correlated with improvements in five subscales(r =-0.605 to-0.336, P <0.001 to P =0.046) at 12 mo.· CONCLUSION: PPV with ILM peeling improved anatomic outcome, visual function, and VRQOL. Theimproved BCVA was an important factor related to the improved VRQOL.